Government Affairs

The U.S. International Trade Administration (ITA) has issued final duty
rates for certain steel wheels from China that are being sold at less
than fair value in the United States. The subject wheels range from 18
to 24.5 in. in diameter and include rims and discs whether imported as
an assembly or sold separately.

The United States Senate passed its version of legislation to fund
highway construction and other transportation projects for the next two
years. SEMA supports the bill’s maintenance of current funding levels in
order to address the nation’s aging infrastructure and provide states
with more spending flexibility.

Legislation that originally sought to provide legal registration to
hobby vehicles with a clear title, required safety equipment and in good
working order was passed by the Wisconsin Senate and House and now
moves to Governor Scott Walker for his signature and enactment into law.

A bill to provide a cap on property taxes paid by owners of antique and
classic motor vehicles was vetoed by Governor Early Ray Tomblin due to a
technical issue. The bill had been amended and approved by the West
Virginia State Legislature with a new $5,000 assessed value for all of
these cars.

In 2010, SEMA-supported legislation to extend the emissions inspection
exemption to vehicles five model years old or newer was signed into law,
subject to approval by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

SEMA is supporting Michigan legislation requiring retail dealers that
offer gasoline for sale to label those pumps dispensing ethanol-blended
gasoline with a notice that indicates the grade of gasoline and the
percentage of ethanol contained.

In 2004, legislation was enacted to repeal California’s rolling
emissions-test exemption for vehicles 30 years old and older and replace
it with a law requiring the lifetime testing of all ’76 and newer
model-year vehicles.

Despite amendments drafted by SEMA to ensure that the bill would not
hurt legitimate historic vehicle owners, the Maryland House
Environmental Matters Committee will not move forward with legislation
that originally threatened to further limit the use of these cars. It’s
likely that House lawmakers will set the bill aside for a summer study.

A bill that originally provided a fair cap on property taxes paid by
owners of antique and classic motor vehicles was amended and approved by
the West Virginia State Legislature March 10 with a new $5,000 assessed
value for all of these cars.

Legislation that originally threatened to provide localities with the
authority to raise from $100 to $500 the amount charged for an annual
license tax for vehicles that do not display current license plates was
approved by the Virginia State Legislature and now has been sent to the
governor for his signature and enactment into law.